I am not sure which is better for a school like Vanderbilt. An ACT score of 30, with an essay that is a 29/36, or an ACT score of 31, with an essay that is a 12/36 (I ran out of time). My scores on the first one are 25, 29, 32, 33 (english, math, reading, science). For the second one, I have a 26, 32, 34, 32 (much stronger except for english). Please help me out here. (Keep in mind that I am applying to the Engineering school which is looking for the higher math score, but does that truly outweigh my terrible essay score on the second test?)
Send both honestly. The second is more well-rounded and the higher math score is what you need. The writing score, however, is concerning. Send the first score to show that you had an off day.
But if they only consider the highest sitting score will they even glance at the 30? Or are they obligated to ignore it completely? Their policy is no super scoring.
they only look at the highest.